04.

Dalia’s POV

I went over to Emily's place to get ready with her. Her stylist, makeup artist, the designers and camera team and the whole team was already there and I went by 9:00 am. Getting ready for these events always took a full day and Emily had to look her very best, she was also going in a West dress. They were also going to dress me too; I was going in a plain white satin gown with a cowl. Elephant and classy. Silver-studded heels, and a diamond choker.

‘Hello honeyyy, wow you look amazing!’ Chris said, he ran over to me and kissed me on my cheek. ‘It’s great to see you Chris. And jenna…hi!’

I waved excitedly at Jenna. She was my favourite hair stylist, she had a pin in between her lips and nodded at me. ‘Finally, the queen arrives,’ said Emily. She was still in her robe and her nails and feet were being filed and prepped for a manicure by the nail technician. I sat on the chair opposite her and helped myself to the glass of juice on the side table. It was a full house, her corgis were all over the place, wagging their short tails and barking. ‘Princess! mr paul! keep it down!’ she yelled out at the corgis. I let out a laugh. ‘Mr paul?’ And before I could stop her, Emily delved into one of her famous stories of how she met, fell in love with and nearly married a comedian named Mr Paul.

Many stories later, Jenna was finally done with the elaborate hairdo she was styling Emily's hair into—a chignon with perfectly coiled loose strands at the front. The back was packed so it looked like a flower and decorated with coloured stones. ‘Jenna keeps serving!’ yelled out Chris when she was done. Everyone hooted in agreement, taking pictures of the flower chignon. ‘Now for the lovely dalia, what can I do for you?’ she asked.

‘Just a simple sleek bun,’ I told her. ‘What’s with the severe chic look you're going for?’ asked Emily with a laugh. I shook my head, ‘I don't feel too dressy, and it’s not like it’s a red carpet event or anything.

By the time we were done with our preparation, it was already 5 pm, and the party was to start by 9 pm. Emily was the star anyway, her social media handlers were filming the whole dress up for behind the scenes and taking pictures for her social media. Her gown was a sheer lace body con gown. Putting it on took forever, and the designers kept making several adjustments to it. The gown stuck to her like a second skin and seemed to be like blue and red designs drawn all over her. Her makeup complimented the gown; blue eyeshadow with silver studded eye wings and bold red lipstick.

I went for a minimal look, ‘you sure you don't want a different look honey?’ asked Chris countless times, but I didn't. But I chose a bold red lipstick, and Emily joked that we matched each other.

My gown fell gracefully down my body, with a slight clinch at the waist. A slit ran from the midthigh down, exposing my long brown legs. ‘Thigh garter would go well with this gown.’ I agreed, but not today.

‘You look like a brown Diana.’ said Jenna, and I blushed. ‘Thanks jenna.’

We took a few pictures, and I mean a lot! Professional and casual until Emily’s team hurried us out to the limo waiting outside. You had to be fashionably late, but not to the extent that you missed the party.

As we pulled up at the venue of the party, I felt my stomach plummet. It was always this way before I stepped into the limelight. Emily grabbed my hand and we got out of the limo. Immediately, the paparazzi directed their attention to us—Emily specifically—flashing lights and clicks bombarded us. ‘Emily look over here!’

‘Smile this way…keep that pose!’ Occasionally, we would stop for a picture, and I'd move aside when they wanted singular shots of the top model.

‘Who’s your friend? Look this way girls!’

‘Is that Jeffrey's assistant? She’s gorgeous, look over here love, who are you wearing?’

‘Is that west or gucci? Emily, look over here!’

We pried our way out, while the security shielded us from them. I couldn't help giggling.

The hall was filled with millions of renowned designers, celebrities, models, fashion writers and so much more. The themes were black and golden. We had come in when a popular artist, I think Simon Simons, was doing a live performance.

‘I'm going to sit with Jeffrey, see you later,’ I said to Emily who nodded. She had other places to be too.

Jeffrey was dressed differently for once, in his custom-made suit from his personal designer. It was a silvery suit with an embroidered flower lapel, a black tie and pure white MELT shoes. ‘You look nice Jeffrey,’ I said, as I took my seat beside him at the VIP table. ‘As always love,  else I'd fire my stylist.’ we both let out a laugh.

The host of the party was James Drew, the main actor in Girl’s watch. ‘How did eros get James here?’ I whispered to Jeffrey. ‘James and him go way back.’ Damn, even Jeffrey couldn't get James to host any of his parties.

‘And now, ladies and gentlemen, welcome Eros West, CEO of West inc.’ The crowd applauded and hooted. I didn't see where he sat but walking up the stage was Eros. Dressed in completely black. A black suit, black tie and his blond hair slicked back as always. He looked as handsome as always and I heard the clicks from everywhere, the reporters and cameraman getting as many shots as they could of him. 

‘Good Evening everyone.’ he said, speaking into the microphone in his monotonous voice that betrayed no emotion but held power. ‘I have a very important announcement to make here today. One that will change the world of fashion as we know it. For years, my company West inc. has done its best in giving to the public the best of fashion. We have collaborated with many brands in the past but never for a long time. That all changes tonight...’

He paced about the stage and fixed his gaze on the table where Jeffrey and I sat. He barely looked at me, then continued, ‘allow me to welcome Mr Jeffrey Star, CEO and the prolific designer, owner of MELT fashion house on stage with his team.’  Jeffrey stood up with me and we climbed up the stage. Eros walked over and shook his hand and turned back to the audience. ‘West inc. and MELT have decided to come together, to combine our creative vision to create a fashion line and more future collaborations.’

The crowd erupted in applause. Eros and Jeffrey shook hands once more for the camera, Eros handed the microphone over to Jeffrey to give a speech and went over to stand beside me.

I smiled broadly at Jeffrey as he began talking about the history of fashion and its impact when I felt nauseous. Eros was a few feet away from me, I looked up and he was staring blankly into space, his face devoid of emotion. When suddenly, I threw up.

Jeffrey paused and looked at me, he looked mortified and a hush ran through the crowd. I looked from Jeffrey to eros who barely reacted, to the crowd who already had their phones and cameras out. I ran off the stage in shame, almost twisting my ankle in the process.

‘Damn, who’s that?’ asked someone as I rushed out.  All the while, I heard clicks of the cameras following me and flashing lights. I was going to end up on a tabloid tonight, I thought in dismay and I ran out of the hall, searching for a bathroom.